Louis Rousselet blue poured glass bead fringe necklace

A truly exceptional and dramatic French fringe necklace, we believe this piece may have a fascinating history – possibly made as a one-off for a French fashion show or as a bespoke piece for a special customer. It probably dates from the 1930s.

Fifteen tapering strands of glittering crystals tumble down from a crystal-set goldtone chain. At the end of each of these strands is a luminous blue hand poured glass bead accented by a smaller similar bead and a diamante set rondel. The crystals are big, bold and sparkling and the blue beads glow with a gorgeous reflective quality. The metal links have softened to a beautiful antique patina.

The quality and craftsmanship of this necklace carries around the back where two small blue glass beads separated by a crystal rondel flank the beehive barrel clasp, which is signed ‘Made in France’. The necklace hangs and drapes beautifully on the neck.

The faceted and claw set crystals measure 8 mm across and the diameter of the larger beads is 10 mm. The fringe drops range from 10 cm at the front to 4 cm at the sides. The length of the necklace is 47 cm.

Most Louis Rousselet pieces came with a paper tag, so few are signed. The quality and design features of this necklace, the glass beads and the beehive clasp marked ‘Made in France’ are signatures of his classic French jewellery.